Jesus tells us that his disciples must take up their cross and follow him. To do this, it is important to note that our crosses do not come from God, they come from this broken world. God gives us the ability carry them and to bring even greater good about if we do.
In the parable of the talents Jesus offers both a promise and a threat about using the gifts God has given you—a promise that if you do, more will be given, and a threat that if you don't, you will lose them.
Building on Jesus' Parable of the Sower, Br. Edward Van Merrienboer, OP reminds us that a good way to make sure that we are fertile soil in which God can plant a seed that will grow it to study.
The disciples ask Jesus why he teaches in parables. Br. Edward Van Merrienboer, OP suggests that it is a way to reach them by story when they are not really open to listening to Jesus's ideas.
Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP reminds us that life is not perfect here in this world, so it is important to allow ourselves to mourn its imperfection, and honor that by periodically taking on penitential practices.
Speaking of the call of the apostle Matthew, Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP notes how God sees talent in us all that we don't see, and God trusts us and calls us forth to use these hidden talents for the sake of the Kingdom.
Br. Edward Van Merrienboer, OP speaks about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as "the man of the Beatitudes" because he embodied in his life care for those who suffer, a key dynamic in the Beatitudes.
Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP talks about living in the time in between when Jesus was resurrected but before he returns, which has an end in living with Jesus, but is a long, indeterminate time.
Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP, following the example of St. Paul, gives advice about how to reach out to a family member who has fallen away from the faith by finding common ground.
